Our Story
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In 2011, we wrestled with the age-old issue of how best to help those living without sufficient food and nutrition in our community. We were especially concerned about the impact that poverty was having on innocent children. The statistics were startling -- the USDA estimated that 1 in 6 children may not have consistent access to enough food for a healthy life. A group of us wrestled with how we could make a difference in their lives. We asked the question "what would Jesus do" and the answer became clear.
We pitched the idea of providing food to elementary "food-insecure" children to Mt. Bethel Church. The idea was received with enthusiasm but it was evident that a great deal of research would be needed to get such a venture off the ground. No need to worry, though ... God stepped in and the idea took off! Within a few weeks, a team of dedicated Christians from Mt. Bethel formed and worked with a "let's get it done" attitude. A former teacher, who understood the huge need for this ministry, recommended Fair Oaks Elementary School, here in Cobb County, as the ideal target. After the first meeting with the Fair Oaks principal, we knew we had the perfect match! A week later, the church provided access to the Cagle House for our operational use. All the pieces came together. We had a team, a place, and a school with a true need as well as administration and faculty who wanted to make this work for their worthy students. We started small -- delivering about 120 back packs every week to 4th graders during the school year. We provided students a back pack filled with 17 nutritious but tasty foods and snacks; students soon came to treasure Fridays when they heard the blue backpacks being wheeled down the hallways for delivery! We expanded to 200 students the next year and grew to serving over 500 children each week by 2015. By 2020, we were delivering over 600 backpacks per week and had added new partnerships with Acworth Elementary School as well as the Atlanta Salvation Army After School Program. When COVID interrupted the 2020 - 2021 school season we did not roll over quietly! We made a pivot in operations to partner with the Fair Oaks Pantry and Mosaic Church in order to continue providing nourishment to the Fair Oaks community of families. In August of 2021, we resumed "normal" operations, delivering backpacks again to the students at Fair Oaks and the Salvation Army After School Program. In August, 2023, we added Milford Elementary School as one of the schools we partner with in the fight on food-insecurity. This is all possible only because we have a base of hundreds of dedicated, caring volunteers of all different walks and ages. Groups of these amazing souls come together each week during the school year to stage, pack, and deliver the backpacks on Fridays. We are also blessed with loving donors and key partners who make this ministry possible. As a result, BackPack Blessings has provided 185,000+ backpacks of food to children these past 13 years who otherwise would have gone without over the weekend. BUT THE STORY DOES NOT END THERE ... BackPack Blessings not only provides food to these children -- we also deliver and demonstrate the love of Christ. We have laughed, played, and studied with the children! We have also provided special gifts, bible messages, and treats on holidays. And, yes, we've even prayed in the hallways for the children, staff and their families. The principals who have served Fair Oaks Elementary over this past decade have recognized us as an important part of the community as well as one of the keys to improved student performance. Indeed, as a direct result of BackPack Blessings, we have seen improvement in student test scores, reading skills, behavior, attendance, and health! We give heartfelt thanks to all of our volunteers, partners, and donors for their generous support. We pray that you will consider joining this ministry and get a chance to experience the joy and love the students share so freely whenever they see the blue backpacks coming! |
Thanks corporate & community donors
Our Partners
BackPack Blessings' original partner -- since 2011
BackPack Blessings' newest partner, starting in August 2023
BackPack Blessings' partner -- since 2017
FAQ'sHow can I volunteer my small group to serve at one of the BackPack Blessings events?
It's easy! Just go to our Volunteer web page, click on the month you wish to serve, and then select the week and activity you would like to sign up for. Then include your group name in "comments" and the number of individuals in your group. That's it! How can we form a corporate sponsorship or school partnership with BackPack Blessings?
Contact Brad Hill, at [email protected] What percent of my donation will actually be used to buy food for the backpacks?
All donations are used directly to benefit the children. Almost all donations are used to support food purchases, but a small portion goes to cover the cost of backpacks and transport costs to deliver backpacks to the school. There are no rent charges, salaries, or administrative fees at BackPack Blessings, so your donation goes 100% to the benefit of the children! How did BackPack Blessings respond to the COVID-19 pandemic?
COVID-19 initially resulted in school closures, so BackPack Blessings could not deliver backpacks to students in our normal manner. Our operations pivoted to sponsor and donate to the Fair Oaks Food pantry as well as to partner with Mosaic Church to deliver food supplies, and other hygiene items, to the families in the Fair Oaks district. BackPack Blessings even arranged to deliver over 60 gallons of milk per week to Mosaic Church. On August 27, 2021, BackPack Blessings delivered the first backpacks to our partners since the COVID-19 pandemic began -- almost 18 months! What do the food-insecure students at Fair Oaks Elementary School do during the summer months when school is not in session?
Great question -- because during summer months students don't have access to the free school breakfast and lunch program nor the BackPack Blessings backpack with weekend nutrition. Fair Oaks food-insecure families are supported during the summer months by: MUST Ministries; the Atlanta Food Bank; Pearson Middle School Pantry (relocated from Fair Oaks Elementary School); and the Cobb County Kitchen program. |